Cleaning up an old powder measure adn other old equipment.

[TXLEO]

I recently acquired some reloading gear including a Rock Chucker press and a Uniflow powder measure. Both are dirty but the measure more so. It has gunk on the cap and in the body. I can also see dust/cobwebs? in the lower chamber. I plan to take it apart and clean it. Is plain soapy water ok or the best choice and then air dry? I assume no oils or WD40 for the measure to avoid contaminating powder. Any better ideas?

As for the press I think some steel wool or a green scuff pad and some 3 in 1 oil will get rid of the light surface junk. Do I need to oil the ram shaft at all? (I know I know, I tried to word it better but alas...)

 

[gunsnjeeps]

Sounds like a solid plan. I'd probably try straight water first but a little soap residue may not be a bad thing as wiping down the dispenser will help with static. I always lube the ram on the press. A few drops of 10W-30 on the ram when I sit down to start using the press.

 

[P7id10t]

I would not use water. Instead I would used a rag with thinner or >90% alcohol. Then oil it with a light film and wipe it off. If you consider how much oil comes on these thngs new, it would work. Dont want rust though.
I use a Q-tip with bearing grease on my ram. Clean and reapply every so often.

 

[former naval person]

Rock chucker is easy to take apart and put together. I did one about 2 months ago...badly rusted on the outside. Inside the ram hole, not rusty...evidently the porus cast iron holds some oil. I cleaned the pins and all, lubed it and put it back together. Synthetic grease on the ram and internals...on all the rotating pins, etc. Works like new. I think you are right on the measure. Treat it gently and lube with dry graphite.